The "G" in G League stands for Gatorade.
The NBA G League is the official minor league basketball organization of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Its name reflects a significant partnership with the sports beverage company, Gatorade.
The Evolution to NBA G League
The league underwent a major rebranding in 2017, solidifying a groundbreaking collaboration.
- Previous Name: Prior to the 2017-18 season, the league was known as the NBA Development League, often abbreviated as the NBA D-League.
- Renaming: Beginning with the 2017-18 season, it was officially renamed the NBA G League.
- Partnership: This change was a direct result of a multiyear expanded partnership between the NBA and Gatorade. This marked a historic moment as it was the first time a U.S. professional sports league was named an entitlement partner, giving a corporate sponsor naming rights to the entire league.
Key Facts About the G League's Name Change
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Old Name | NBA Development League (NBA D-League) |
| New Name | NBA G League |
| "G" Stands For | Gatorade |
| Effective Season | 2017-18 season |
| Reason | Multiyear expanded partnership between the NBA and Gatorade |
| Significance | First time a U.S. professional sports league was named an entitlement partner, highlighting a deeper level of corporate sponsorship in professional sports naming. |
The renaming underscored Gatorade's commitment to athlete development and performance, aligning with the league's mission to serve as a proving ground for players, coaches, and referees aiming for the NBA.
